Mackay | Places to Visit

Dive with a platypus, see wallabies on the beach or escape to one of the offshore tropical islands in the Mackay region. Surrounded by the Hibiscus Coast and Cape Hillsborough National Park, it’s one of Queensland’s nature capitals.

Mackay City

Wander the historic Art Deco centre of Mackay, stretch your legs along the Bluewater Trail that runs beside the Pioneer River and through the city’s main sights, then dine on the freshest seafood from the Fish Market. Discover the tropical flora of the region in the expansive Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

You’ll be able to reach the centre of town from the Mackay Airport in 10 minutes.

Cape Hillsborough

Part of the stunning Hibiscus Coast north of Mackay, Cape Hillsborough National Park is a peaceful retreat into nature. See wallabies on the beach at sunrise and sunset, walk across the narrow causeway at low tide to the tiny Wedge Island, fish off the beach or in the mangroves, then listen to the sounds of the bush at night from your campsite.

Cape Hillsborough is a 40-minute drive north of Mackay.

Eungella National Park

Tick “dive with a platypus in the middle of a rainforest” off your bucket list at Finch Hatton Gorge in Eungella National Park. Walk through the rainforest to discover secluded waterfalls and cool off with a dip in a shady swimming hole.

Eungella National Park is a 75-minute drive inland from Mackay.

Islands

A collection of peaceful islands sits just off the coast of Mackay at the southern entrance to the Whitsunday Passage. Plan a day-trip to the barefoot paradise of Brampton Island or the untouched national park of Keswick Island.

There are no public services, so you’ll need to organise a private boat to Brampton and Keswick islands. There is also a small airstrip on Keswick for private plane or helicopter charters.